Government sets up special anti-epidemic commission

The Ministry of Health has announced that it has reserves of the most modern antiviral preparations to provide medical assistance in case of pandemic flu. It also said that no cases of human flu caused by the swine H1N1 flu virus have been reported in Moldova. Doctors will take steps to inform the population about the prophylaxis and precautionary measures, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Government ordered the creation of a commission that will monitor the epidemiological situation in the country following swine flu outbreaks all over the world. The anti-epidemic commission will meet every week. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illnesses in general, like chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. People are at risk of catching swine influenza if the swine carry a strain able to infect humans. The swine flu virus is destroyed when pork is prepared at 70 degrees Celsius and above. The Ministry of Health recommends the people to observe proper personal hygiene, especially wash the hands, and avoid trips to the affected zones. The World Health Organization does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions. The Pan American Health Organization said that there have so far been 1,445 cases of "influenza-like illness" in Mexico, with 84 deaths. Twelve persons in Spain, France and the UK (Scotland), who traveled to Mexico, are suspected to have swine flu. Cases of swine flu have been also reported in another seven EU member states and in the United States, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, and South Korea.